The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor. Since 1970, the IAFC’s most prestigious award has recognized the spirit of service, courage and heroism that is a proud tradition among the world's fire and emergency service. The program is named for one of the first fire chiefs in the United States, Benjamin Franklin.
- PUB DATE: 3/30/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: IAFC.org

Spokane Valley Fire confirmed Wednesday that a brush fire burning on N. Chestnut Road in Mica was contained around 6:30 p.m. Crews from the Department of Natural Resources were in the mop-up stages. Another fire was reported on Progress Road in Spokane Valley that was also quickly put out. Smoke was noticeable in the areas for some time, but now that the fires are out, it should start to clear out.
- PUB DATE: 3/30/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

Recent studies show 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions like depression and PTSD. And according to CDC, firefighters and police officers are more likely to die by suicide than on the line of duty. "We see all the tragic events," said Marshall Slight, chief deputy coroner in Yakima.
- PUB DATE: 3/30/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

Firefighters worked for hours on Tuesday night to contain a big fire at Basic American Foods in Moses Lake. Photos from Moses Lake Firefighters show flames burning through a large section of the food processing plant. Grant County Fire District #5 said the building suffered extensive damage from both fire and water.
- PUB DATE: 3/29/2023 3:49:53 PM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

Thanks to a generous donor, the Tolar Volunteer Fire Department is building a second fire station, to be in the southern part of its 154-square-mile coverage area, hcnews.com reported.

A fire official said the location for the new station is near the intersection of Paluxy Highway and Prairie Creek Lane. He said the fire department purchased the land and that the $250,000, given by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, will go toward the building and infrastructure, the report said.

The money may not be enough to complete the building, but it should cover enough of the costs to enable the fire department to occupy it, the report said.

Tolar’s main fire station at 9005 West U.S. Highway 377 has seven bays. The new fire station will have three bays, according to the report.